RARE CIVIL WAR PHOENIX IRONWORKS 6-POUNDER FIELD CANNON AND LIMBER.

SN 15. SN 15. Cal 3.72″ smoothbore. These iron 6-pounders were patented by John Griffen in 1854. This is a very rare cannon, sometimes known as a Griffen Gun after its inventor. Twelve such cannon were presented early war to the Pennsylvania state militia. Phoenix Iron Company made 3″ Rifles-Ordnance Cannon at the same time and over 1000 saw Civil War service – but this was the first produced cannon and utilized Griffin’s patented “wrought-iron casting” technology. Stylistically both the subject six-pounder here and the ordnance rifles, Phoenix iron Works made a quite similar as one would expect as both utilized the same technology. The six-pounder is heavier at just over 1000 pounds where the ordnance rifles averaged about 820 pounds. It is interesting to note that Phoenix Iron Works SN 233 ordnance rifle fired the first Union shot at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. We can find no sales of any of these very rare cannons. According to Hazlett, Ormstead & Parks in their treaties on cannons “Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War” “…. In 1861 at least 18 identical weapons were mechanically forged… By Phoenix Ironworks”. Indeed the highest registry number known on this pattern is 18, and registry number on subject cannon is 15, with foundry number 5. Other known foundry numbers are 2, 4, 6 and 11. We can find only one with private ownership of any of these cannons and this is your opportunity to but a great example complete with carriage and limber. This cannon barrel weighs 1040 pounds, is just over 65″ long and is mounted on regulation Civil War #1 sized field carriage which appears to have at least original iron hardware if not some original wood. The limber also appears to have original iron hardware and some of the wood is modern replacements. The limber chest is all original including original copper top. PROVENANCE: Heritage Museum & Gardens Collection, Sandwich, MA. CONDITION: Cannon tube has thick coat of paint from where displayed at the Heritage Park for many years and actual surface of iron is difficult to ascertain, but it appears fairly smooth with just moderate pitting. Bore in cannon is rusted but smooth and clear. Markings on trunnion are crisp and easily read as can be seen in photos, left trunnion: “PHOENIX/1861/1040Lbs.”, left trunnion: “PATENTED/DEC 25. 1855”. The registry number”15” is stamped on the breech near cassabel in the foundry number “5” is found on the back side of the lower elevation pad. Wood on carriage and limber appear fairly solid overall with some erosion. The limber chest is sound and solid with copper top well attached and patinaed. The partitions inside chest appear original. Interested parties should inspect in person as to condition of wood and vintage of iron hardware. 4-50988 JS90 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2289

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2289	$34,500.00	RARE CIVIL WAR PHOENIX IRONWORKS 6-POUNDER FIELD CANNON AND LIMBER. SN 15. SN 15. Cal 3.72″ smoothbore. These iron 6-pounders were patented by John Griffen in 1854. This is a very rare cannon, sometimes known as a Griffen Gun after its inventor. Twelve such cannon were presented early war to the Pennsylvania state militia. Phoenix Iron Company made 3″ Rifles-Ordnance Cannon at the same time and over 1000 saw Civil War service – but this was the first produced cannon and utilized Griffin’s patented “wrought-iron casting” technology. Stylistically both the subject six-pounder here and the ordnance rifles, Phoenix iron Works made a quite similar as one would expect as both utilized the same technology. The six-pounder is heavier at just over 1000 pounds where the ordnance rifles averaged about 820 pounds. It is interesting to note that Phoenix Iron Works SN 233 ordnance rifle fired the first Union shot at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. We can find no sales of any of these very rare cannons. According to Hazlett, Ormstead & Parks in their treaties on cannons “Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War” “…. In 1861 at least 18 identical weapons were mechanically forged… By Phoenix Ironworks”. Indeed the highest registry number known on this pattern is 18, and registry number on subject cannon is 15, with foundry number 5. Other known foundry numbers are 2, 4, 6 and 11. We can find only one with private ownership of any of these cannons and this is your opportunity to but a great example complete with carriage and limber. This cannon barrel weighs 1040 pounds, is just over 65″ long and is mounted on regulation Civil War #1 sized field carriage which appears to have at least original iron hardware if not some original wood. The limber also appears to have original iron hardware and some of the wood is modern replacements. The limber chest is all original including original copper top. PROVENANCE: Heritage Museum & Gardens Collection, Sandwich, MA. CONDITION: Cannon tube has thick coat of paint from where displayed at the Heritage Park for many years and actual surface of iron is difficult to ascertain, but it appears fairly smooth with just moderate pitting. Bore in cannon is rusted but smooth and clear. Markings on trunnion are crisp and easily read as can be seen in photos, left trunnion: “PHOENIX/1861/1040Lbs.”, left trunnion: “PATENTED/DEC 25. 1855”. The registry number”15” is stamped on the breech near cassabel in the foundry number “5” is found on the back side of the lower elevation pad. Wood on carriage and limber appear fairly solid overall with some erosion. The limber chest is sound and solid with copper top well attached and patinaed. The partitions inside chest appear original. Interested parties should inspect in person as to condition of wood and vintage of iron hardware. 4-50988 JS90 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2289 Auction: Firearms - Spring 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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RARE CIVIL WAR PHOENIX IRONWORKS 6-POUNDER FIELD CANNON AND LIMBER.